Typological Traces as An Identity Element in the Urban Form: the Case of Kunduracılar Street in Trabzon

Abstract

Commercial streets in historic city centers play essential roles in their economic activities and
spatial structures on urban identity. Nevertheless, the main elements of their identity are
generally explained in terms of their socio-cultural values or visible design criteria, while their
typological continuity is another element. This study aims to conduct a typological analysis of
Kunduracılar Street, located in the historic city center of Trabzon. Within the research, the
street and plot system, building types, and facade arrangements were analyzed by using old
and current maps, field studies, and photographs. The research showed that the street is
characterized by a commercial building typology developed on narrow-fronted and deep plots.
The commercial use in ground floors and repetitive facade elements also has a significant
effect on strengthening the characteristics of the street. The study highlights the contribution
of the typological continuity of historic axes in the formation of urban identity.